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The Alex Anderson Story : Feb 19th, 2007 – Amgen Tour of California (Stage 4 of 8)
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| bobh |
Posted on 05-05-2008 16:20
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Under 23
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Jan 10, 2007 – Quick Update
Rider Breakdown – it seems as if we have some ‘steals’ I’ll have to look into the Leadership salaries for next season.
I signed the team up for another training session (including the new guys who have all reported to work now.) We’ll be going to the Blairsville Mountains to prepare for Amgen. (A Board goal of having the mountain jersey will be on the line.) The current training camp is going well, no problems so far we’ll have to wait to see how well the effects are once Taylor has a chance to give out some reports near the end of the week….
I’m starting to get anxious for our first race; we just have to hold tight until Feb 2nd.
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| bobh |
Posted on 06-05-2008 15:47
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Jan 11, 2007 – Miller Interview
[IMG-L]https://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk310/bobhazen/NathanMillar010907.jpg[/IMG-L]
“I think Coach Alex is doing a great job. Even though I’m still young in terms relating to the cycling world – I’ve never been in this top shape so early in a season. But still there is a ton of work to be done; Coach (Alex) is pointing this team in the right direction.” Nathan was talking to several reports that showed up at our pre-season morning workouts.
“I’m not sure what you mean about Coach (Alex) being strict – if you mean does he drive us hard, then yes. But it’s not like he’s beating us with a stick from the pace car during our rides. He’s a rider himself so he understands what each of us is going through out on the road, and that makes it easier to talk and discuss tactics with him. I can’t wait until we get to our mountain training – he’s supposed to be a master in the high hills – I’ll want to try to take the old man on a couple climbs.” Nathan was grinning ear-to-ear.
“Sorry, thanks for coming but I have to get to a meeting now – Coach hates for us to be late.”
Brent Lancaster won the Australian Championships ITT today over McGee and Rodgers. It’s going to be interesting season……
Nathan Miller - the kid's got potential |
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| ladagnous |
Posted on 06-05-2008 20:17
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Stagiare
Posts: 214
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this is going to be a great story
keep going
Ladagnous won Tropicale cycliste Amissa Bongo  |
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| ladagnous |
Posted on 06-05-2008 20:19
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Stagiare
Posts: 214
Joined: 21-02-2008
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this is going to be a great story
keep going
Ladagnous won Tropicale cycliste Amissa Bongo |
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| wackojackohighcliffe |
Posted on 06-05-2008 20:46
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Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 7681
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whats with all the multiple posting ladagnous
looking good
though why have an interview with one of your worst cyclists?
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| bobh |
Posted on 06-05-2008 21:19
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Under 23
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there are reasons for every post I do - please keep reading.
bob |
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| wackojackohighcliffe |
Posted on 06-05-2008 21:35
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Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 7681
Joined: 19-02-2008
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i will keep reading
never fear
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| bobh |
Posted on 07-05-2008 15:30
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Under 23
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Jan 12, 2007 – Tristian’s Concern
[IMG-r]https://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk310/bobhazen/MikeSayers011107.jpg[/IMG-r]Well the first pre-season camp completed and we now have all the guys together - moral seems high. Tristan came to me late last night worried about Mike Sayers.
“Alex, I’m not too sure about him right now, maybe it’s his age, but he doesn’t seem to be recovering from the training rides quick enough.”
“Don’t worry Tristan, Mike will be ok. When you get to be our age, the body does take a little longer to recover. Is he sticking to the recovery and diet program you set up?” I asked.
“Yeah he seems to be, but I’m wondering how patient he’ll be before he starts to get anxious about his results.” By now Tristan is fidgeting as he’s sitting in my office.
“Tristan, I’ll have a talk with him – but again don’t worry, if we decide he can’t handle the Leadership role we’ve given him for this year I’ll take care of it. Thanks for you input and concern. We’ll keep an eye on him.”
Mike Sayers – is it going to be his last season? |
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| bobh |
Posted on 08-05-2008 17:30
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Under 23
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Jan 13, 2007 – Blairsville Camp
[IMG-R]https://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk310/bobhazen/BlairsvilleMountainsTrainingCamp-1.jpg[/IMG-R]
Blairsville Mountains, Georgia
Well the team arrived today at our training camp. Weather is nice, and the guys are eager to get out on the roads. Little do they know I’m going to put them through 8 days of Hell. A little pain now will mean a little less later.
2nd Training Camp of the Month Begins |
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| wackojackohighcliffe |
Posted on 08-05-2008 17:32
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Grand Tour Champion
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Little do they know I’m going to put them through 8 days of Hell
the kind boss always works
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| Ad Bot |
Posted on 22-12-2024 13:31
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| Ezikiel |
Posted on 08-05-2008 20:06
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Junior Rider
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this is one of my favorite stories, i really enjoy reading  |
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| bobh |
Posted on 09-05-2008 15:06
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Under 23
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Jan 15, 2007 – Adam Update
Stuart O’Grady won the Australian Championships – All it right with the world.
I had a nice call with Adam today. Seems that the board was very pleased with my actions for far this month they are anxiously awaiting our results for our first race. Also he gave me approval to go out and research some new equipment for the team. I’ll have to schedule that once we get back from Georgia.
All here is going well – TV reception isn’t the greatest but the guys don’t seem to mind. I’ve been really impressed with the attitude and energy of the younger kids so far. Maybe I’m not pushing them hard enough.
I haven’t heard from Taylor in the past few days – hopefully he’ll have that report done by the end of the month for me. I’ll have to bug him about it tomorrow.
My wife called me last night to make sure I was still alive – I’m neglecting her lately. I keep telling myself that it will only last until the first race, but I know I’m fooling myself. Hopefully she understands, boy do I miss her and the kids. I’ll take some down time after this trip before Le Tour de Langkawi. That should re-charge my batteries.
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| bobh |
Posted on 12-05-2008 15:08
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Under 23
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Jan 22, 2007 – Langkawai screw-up
God I’m stupid. I forgot to send in the paperwork for Le Tour de Langkawi registration. The way I found out? The media got a hold of the news and met me at our training camp:
“Alex are you in over you head trying to run this team?”
“Alex! If you are in charge and up-to-speed on all aspects of your team, how do you explain this oversight?”
“Alex, over here! Is it too late to get you team enrolled at Langkawi?”
“Where is Adam Rhis? Is he aware of this potential disaster, and the implications it might have towards a good result at the Amgen Tour?”
I just wanted to crawl back into bed……… The questions went on and on.
That night my wife called me, “Honey, are you all right? I saw the newscast today about Langkawi. How’s Adam taking the news?”
“Well he chewed me a new one – and I almost lost my job, but other than the fact I haven’t seen you in about 3 weeks I’m doing ok. Adam called the Tour officials today and explained the circumstances – they want us there so we’ll have to see how the petition goes.”
“Hang in there Honey, I miss you.” My wife seemed a million miles away. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Good night and I love you.”
“Good night I love you too, tell the kids I miss them.” I just sat there until the receiver went dead.
:cry: |
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| dave92 |
Posted on 12-05-2008 20:05
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Classics Specialist
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great story
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| bobh |
Posted on 13-05-2008 16:59
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Under 23
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Feb 1, 2007 – Scott Disses BMC
We’ll the last few days have been horrible. There were a few days there that I didn’t even want to get out of bed – but my wife was good and sent the kids into our room and after a massive tickle fight I was re-charged and ready to face the world.
“Adam – really I’m sorry about the scheduling thing. I know the board is disappointed that were not racing Langkawi. But I did pull some strings and got us into Etoile de Bessege for 5 days. Granted it really doesn’t have the competition of Langkawi will have nor the two large mountain stages we were going to use to gage our progress before Amgen, but the guys will get some racing time in and see some rolling hills…..”
“Listen Alex – the publicity on this **F-up** is huge. To take some heat off, your guys are going to HAVE to perform. Otherwise it’s going to look really bad. You come to BMC and double our team size, then miss signing the paperwork for your first race? That’s bad. It looks as if we’re out of control. I can’t have that perception with my team. FIX IT! And don’t let it happen again!” Adam was furious, and before I could say anything else the line went dead.
“Scott, a moment of your time please! What’s your take on about what happened over a BMC with your old schoolmate Alex?” Scott looked amused as he looked into the Versus camera.
“I’m sure BMC has their reasons for missing the deadline, but knowing that Amgen of California is vital to their team success missing the tune-up race at Langkawi doesn’t look good. I’ve known Alex almost his whole life – I don’t think he did this on purpose, but he really didn’t think about the impact it would have on his team, sponsors and I’m sure the Board Members.” Scott’s smug grin spreads across his face. “Maybe he’ll learn from this, all I can say for sure is that it would never happen on my team. Thanks, but I have to go now.”
Powering down the TV I sit in the darkness of my office – another day gone, and more ridicule I’ve endured. I know I can’t sleep walking over to my laptop I switch it on to review the accounting numbers for Jan.
Jan month end numbers 2007 – not much happening….
[IMG-r]https://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk310/bobhazen/MonthlyawardsJan2007-1.jpg[/IMG-r]
Cya Awards Jan
Guidi was crowned the rider of the month; the 34 year old Barloworld rider really doesn’t interest me so I don’t tag him for Taylor to look at later.
On the other hand the young sprinter Renshaw does fit our bill with possible upside. His contract with Credit Agricole expires at the end of the season. I’ll have Taylor give his agent a call tomorrow to see if he’s interested in joining us. He’d actually fit under our current salary structure.
BMC Awards Jan
“There wasn’t any racing this month, but I’ve still like to hand out our awards.” I found myself addressing the team during our morning meeting. “Everyone has done a great job getting ready for our long season – we’ve added some more riders to the team, and I think have put together a group of guys that can contend on any level.” I could see several heads bobbing up and down as I spoke.
“For their hard work during practice, and leadership out on the road I’ll like to present a cash award of $500.00 to Alenandre Moos. I can’t tell you how much help he has given some of our younger guys this month.” By now, my voice is being drowned out by clapping and guys patting Moos on the back.
Jan 2007 Cya Awards
“For our younger guys I’d like to present another $250.00 to Nathan Miller. His work has already shown up in his conditioning level test with Frankie and Tristan. Also he had the chance to conduct his first interview – and pull it off without looking too ridiculous. Good job Nathan. Now lets get back to work we have Etoile de Bessege to prepare for. Make sure you’ll all packed and have your passports ready. Pre-race testing will be sometime this week before we leave, and once I have created the race roster, I’ll pull you in for your race goals and assignments. For those of you not going to France – you’ll be ‘watched’ after by Frankie here. I’ll be getting updates daily so don’t screw off. Remember I haven’t put together the roster for Amgen, I’m sure you all want to race there….”
B)
Edited by bobh on 13-05-2008 17:10
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| bobh |
Posted on 14-05-2008 16:53
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Under 23
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Feb 3, 2007 – New Equipment
Oscar Freire of Rabobank wins at the Tour of Qatar. Oscar seems to be on top form early in the season……. He is looking for a new contract for next season – too bad he wouldn’t even give us the time of day.
Our new equipment came in today – I outfitted the team in Specialized frames, Fulcrum wheels and Bell helmets. I have to admit BMC went all out and spent $355,000.00 on equipment upgrades and bike configurations. Tristan and Frankie were beside themselves along with all of our riders – some were so stoked they didn’t even wait until they were fitted properly to get out on the road with them. I can’t wait to see them race with them.
By the way, I still haven’t picked my starting team for Etoile de Bessege. Who ever gets to ride here will ride at Amgen most likely, that won’t be a popular decision but I’ll have to be that way.….. February schedule is pretty light also. With only 13 racing days booked (plus one pending). We really need to get off to a fast start.
Feb 2007 Racing Calendar – as you can see it’s still pretty much open.
Note to self : remind Adam that the software scheduling calendar is still crashing – it’s going to be very hard to plan March if it doesn’t get fixed……
To: Taylor Carrington
From: Alex Anderson
CC:
BCC:
Subject: BMC self evaluations / past due
Taylor I understand that you weren’t sure when you were going to complete our rider evaluations when we discussed it last, I was hoping to see them at the end of Jan how are they coming along? Do you need anything to finish the project? I really need these evaluation ASAP so I can properly asses our riders before Etoile de Bessege and Amgen.
Thanks!
Alex.
Edited by bobh on 14-05-2008 17:16
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| bobh |
Posted on 15-05-2008 15:23
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Under 23
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Feb 4, 2007 – Paris-Nice?
[img-l]https://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk310/bobhazen/DavidGalvin020307.jpg[/img-l]Tour Organizers e-mailed me today asking if BMC was interested in a Paris-Nice Wild-Card spot. I declined right away since we wouldn’t do very well there at all. Maybe next year we’ll apply for a Wild Card – we have our sights set on different targets this year.
Other than that, today was pretty quiet. David came into my office late in the day indicating he was in pretty good form, and was hoping that I would take him into account for Etoile de Bessege.
“David, I’ve been impressed with you work effort so far, but to be honest I haven’t decided on the roster just yet. Frankie has told me some good things about you, and I’ve noticed your TT is getting better. Trust me; I’ll get you in the right races this year to help you grow. Please be patient.”
“OK Coach – please though let me race this week.” David begged as he closed my door. Damm is this going to be another issue I’m going to have to worry about?
What am I going to do with this guy?
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| Karl_rab |
Posted on 15-05-2008 15:40
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Sprinter
Posts: 1888
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Let him ride he could do with the experience 
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| wackojackohighcliffe |
Posted on 15-05-2008 15:43
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Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 7681
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change speciality to tt
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| bobh |
Posted on 15-05-2008 18:08
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Under 23
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To all:
I want to let everyone know that I've been playing with my screen capture technique over the past few weeks. With my first race report just around the corner I wanted to take the time and say that my first few races kind of stink in regards to the quality of the screen shots. (I first noticed this problem the from the Feb schedule screen shot.)
Please understand that as time goes on in the story my shots get better (Hey I failed photography in college)
Also note that in the first few races names are in the shots (yeah I corrected this), and that the windstock is in some of the pictures.
For game playing purposes I will be keeping the windstock in the game, but I will try to limit it from showing.
For Etoile de Bessege, and 2 days of the Amgen Tour I was using Grabber2k and was saving in .jpeg format; I have switched to MW Snap 3 so I can save directly to .pmg format and hopefully inprove the quality of my images.
Thanks!
bob |
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